In a significant constitutional development that marks a major shift in Pakistan's power structure, the country's parliament has approved sweeping changes that grant unprecedented authority to the military leadership while curbing judicial powers.
Historic Constitutional Amendment Passed
On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Pakistan's parliament ratified a constitutional amendment that fundamentally alters the balance of power between military and civilian institutions. The legislation, passed with substantial parliamentary support, represents one of the most substantial changes to Pakistan's governance framework in recent years.
The amendment establishes Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir as the newly created Chief of Defence Forces, providing him with formal command authority over all three branches of the Pakistani military - the army, navy, and air force. This consolidation of military leadership under a single commander represents a departure from the previous structure where service chiefs operated with considerable autonomy.
Sweeping Powers and Legal Protection
The constitutional changes include provisions that ensure Asim Munir will retain his military rank indefinitely and enjoy comprehensive legal immunity for life, even after his term as army chief concludes. This lifetime protection from legal proceedings sets a significant precedent in Pakistan's political landscape.
Equally noteworthy are the provisions that curtail the authority of Pakistan's Supreme Court, reducing the judiciary's ability to challenge or review military decisions and appointments. This aspect of the amendment has raised concerns among legal experts and democracy advocates about the separation of powers in the country.
Implications for Pakistan's Democracy
The constitutional changes come at a crucial time in Pakistan's political evolution and are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the nation's democratic institutions. The consolidation of military authority under a single leader with lifetime legal protection represents a significant shift in the traditional balance between civilian and military governance.
International observers and regional analysts are closely monitoring how these changes will affect Pakistan's domestic politics and its relationships with neighboring countries, particularly India. The timing and scope of the amendment suggest a deliberate effort to institutionalize the military's role in governance while providing unprecedented legal safeguards for its leadership.
As Pakistan navigates this new constitutional landscape, the world watches to see how these structural changes will impact the nation's stability, democratic processes, and regional standing in the coming years.
